One of Akron’s top students finds best university for him in his own backyard

08/22/2013

Andy Udovich of Akron had no trouble getting into any of the five universities to which he applied. After narrowing his decision to The University of Akron and another highly regarded university in Northeast Ohio, the valedictorian of Archbishop Hoban High School’s Class of 2013 enters his freshman year as a proud Zip, an Honors College student, and a member of the College of Engineering's 100th class.

Udovich will join his new classmates as UA welcomes the class of 2017 on Friday, Aug. 23, as part of New Roo Weekend. New this year to UA's lineup of welcoming activities for incoming students, New Roo Weekend runs Aug. 23-25 and helps acquaint students with campus life and academia through activities, events, speakers and workshops.

Planning to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, Udovich says he chose UA because of its affordability and the reputation of the College of Engineering, even though many first-year college students tend to go to colleges farther away from home.

Hands-on experience sells him

Another determining factor for Udovich was that UA's engineering program, the fastest growing in the state and one of the five fastest growing in the U.S. among engineering programs with undergraduate enrollment exceeding 2,000 students, offers one of the oldest and most successful co-op programs in the country. Frederic E. Ayer, the college's first dean, established the co-op program in 1914, creating a reputation that would continue 100 classes later.

"I applied to schools both in Ohio and out-of-state, but was impressed with Akron's strong engineering program and great campus environment right in my own backyard," Udovich said.

UA's vibrant campus life, known as The Akron Experience, will give him many opportunities while living in the Honors College residence hall, he added.

College draws near-record class

The 700 students entering the College of Engineering this fall also happen to be one of UA's largest in its long and distinguished history, according to Dean George K. Haritos.

"We are pleased to welcome our 100th class this weekend, one of the largest ever," says Haritos. "The success of our students is our highest priority as we continue to train and graduate career-ready engineers."